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Someday'59 · 07-31-2011, 08:28 PM

Anybody know of a good source for Bakelite outlet covers?

kevinb · 08-03-2011, 06:57 AM

hey crew!

Georgia can get real cold when it decides to, I would go the antifreeze route, esp since you are installing new. When you install or replumb your fw pump put in a bypass valve, one way pumps fresh water, the other way will draw antifreeze right out of the bottle and distribute all through the system....easy. Mine is not hooked up to the fw tank (leaks!) but I can still pump antifreeze.

DaveFL · 08-03-2011, 07:18 AM

Even here in west central FL last winter , I was hoping system would drain completely as the only antifreeze in the system is in the motor. I do have a plan to install a blowout system before next winter, antifreeze would be hard to clean out of the drinking water filter canister at the kitchen sink, yes I drink the tank water especially when we run out of home filled gallon jugs. Also by keeping system empty we could use it anytime by closing the valves and filling.
Luan would be darker, birch or maple would be my guess.

kevinb · 08-03-2011, 07:36 AM

I guess the water filter could be a problem, mine comes apart take the filter out and your good to go.

Someday'59 · 08-03-2011, 07:46 AM

Dave,
I recently heard of a thing called "drinkable antifreeze" (I'll hold off on the Linda Turner jokes) that you can use in your water system. It's safer!

We bought some birch wood and did a test with stains. It's a pretty close match. I'm so excited that we'll be putting some wood in soon!

We are going to make a bypass for the hot water heater. I'm not sure what kind of valve Brian got...

mello mike · 08-03-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Someday'59

Dave,
We bought some birch wood and did a test with stains. It's a pretty close match. I'm so excited that we'll be putting some wood in soon!

Hi Lynneta,
Can you tell me what stain you are using for your birch? I'll be doing the woodwork soon in my '58.

As for the bakelight covers, I found this one on EBAY, it's pretty spendy, but it's a pretty good match for the original. Most of our outlet and light swtich covers were in pretty good shape, just a couple needed replaced.

upstateart · 08-03-2011, 11:50 AM

Hi, I have about a dozen outlet covers, beige same vertical 'stripe' designs as the '60s. I paid $4.25 each. You can pm me if they may work for you, I can send you a photo. Not sure if 'bakelite' I know they are vintage.. made in USA!!!

ALANSD · 08-03-2011, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmbosa

Here's a couple pics of my threshold. I'm not sure if it's the original, but it is a very nice solid piece of aluminum and fit perfectly as if it had been installed at the factory.

what does it look like underneath that step area? I think mine is missing a part there.Seems the step moves downward a bit when stepped on by someone heavier than me..

DaveFL · 08-03-2011, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Someday'59

Dave,
I recently heard of a thing called "drinkable antifreeze" (I'll hold off on the Linda Turner jokes) that you can use in your water system. It's safer!

We bought some birch wood and did a test with stains. It's a pretty close match. I'm so excited that we'll be putting some wood in soon!

We are going to make a bypass for the hot water heater. I'm not sure what kind of valve Brian got...

Gin or vodka would work but taxes may make it a little high priced. maybe moonshine would be better, now all I need is a source.

DaveFL · 08-03-2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinb

I guess the water filter could be a problem, mine comes apart take the filter out and your good to go.

Filter is a sealed canister, I would take it out, put in the plug, if I was blowing out the system, I did when I just drained it. Idea is to make winteriziing as simple as possible with the least things to do for startup, opening valves apply pressure and closing valves is easiest startup.

Someday'59 · 08-03-2011, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

what does it look like underneath that step area? I think mine is missing a part there.Seems the step moves downward a bit when stepped on by someone heavier than me..

Do you mean the floor sags in the doorway when someone steps there?

We added a thick steel plate between the subfloor and the frame. The steel plate really helped to firm up the floor at the entry point.

Someday'59 · 08-03-2011, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mello mike

Hi Lynneta,
Can you tell me what stain you are using for your birch? I'll be doing the woodwork soon in my '58.

We're using 2 coats of Amber Shellac. (Probably a coat of clear Shellac on top.)

Someday'59 · 08-03-2011, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveFL

Gin or vodka would work but taxes may make it a little high priced. maybe moonshine would be better, now all I need is a source.

In the spring just add tomato juice and we can all have Bloody Marys!

Someday'59 · 08-04-2011, 12:13 PM

VTS used to sell wood doors/room dividers. I don't see them on their website anymore. Have you seen them anywhere else?

ALANSD · 08-04-2011, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Someday'59

Do you mean the floor sags in the doorway when someone steps there?

We added a thick steel plate between the subfloor and the frame. The steel plate really helped to firm up the floor at the entry point.

yup exactly. I need to firm it up. Another Forum member offered to help me fab and weld. When it cools off I will have to try that. Thanks

Someday'59 · 08-04-2011, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

yup exactly. I need to firm it up. Another Forum member offered to help me fab and weld. When it cools off I will have to try that. Thanks

If you have someone to help with the welding, that's great!

We didn't weld our plate in. Brian drilled a whole through the frame & through the steel plate attached them with screws. (Eye goggles, sharp drill bit, & long sleeves required. Hot metal shaving + skin= ouch!)

kevinb · 08-04-2011, 08:52 PM

Lynnetta
I have a recessed door from a 70's trailer that I got from a forum member; its not solid wood but it is in good shape, your welcome to it if you want it. It is a little darker than your wood.

Kevin

Someday'59 · 08-05-2011, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinb

Lynnetta
I have a recessed door from a 70's trailer that I got from a forum member; its not solid wood but it is in good shape, your welcome to it if you want it. It is a little darker than your wood.

Kevin

Thanks, Kevin... but I need two. I'll just keep looking. I may make a curtain or something.

By the way, are any of your projects ready to camp in yet??

kevinb · 08-05-2011, 04:09 PM

Got one really close, all plbg and electrical done including a new powwermax converter from randy but it still needs axles, a/c repair and window parts.

Did the patterns for the goucho help?

Kevin

Someday'59 · 08-10-2011, 10:03 PM

Kevin, Looking at your gaucho in real life helped. We'll be referring to our pictures when we make the back shelf for our trailer. (Thank you!)

We're still having a little trouble recreating our front gaucho though. Kevin's gaucho had three cushions plus the arms. (Was that your '64, Kevin?) From what I can tell from Norm's early pictures (before he got rid of the gaucho and put in that beautiful dinette) it looks like his gaucho only has 2 cushions.

We have mutant gaucho cushions... the PO (who so lovingly painted every square inch of our trailer in latex paint) didn't do such a hot job on the upholstery and we don't know what is supposed to be going on with our cushions. So, I guess my question to anybody with a '58/'59 who has/had a gaucho is: how many cushions are used (besides the arms)? Does anyone have a picture of the arms?

Help!